jebdunnuck.com, October 2017

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Imperiale is undeniably one of the big successes in the vintage. A blend of 95% Grenache and 5% other permitted varieties, partially destemmed and aged all in concrete, its deep ruby color is...
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Imperiale is undeniably one of the big successes in the vintage. A blend of 95% Grenache and 5% other permitted varieties, partially destemmed and aged all in concrete, its deep ruby color is followed by awesome notes of blackberry jam, crushed rocks, graphite, and garrigue. A big, rich, unctuous wine, it has beautiful purity, integrated acidity, building tannin, and a great, great finish. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 4-5 years, but it’s a tour de force in Grenache I wish every reader could taste!

WA
94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2017

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a big, super ripe wine, loaded with plummy, chocolaty fruit. It's almost entirely Grenache from sandy sites, made and aged in concrete. At 16% alcohol by volume, it's...
The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a big, super ripe wine, loaded with plummy, chocolaty fruit. It's almost entirely Grenache from sandy sites, made and aged in concrete. At 16% alcohol by volume, it's full-bodied and the tannins are ripe, creamy and supple, but the alcoholic heat isn't particularly noticeable. Give the bit of green stemminess from some whole-cluster inclusion a year or two in bottle to merge with the rest of the wine and drink it young, before the fruit fades. - Joe Czerwinski

Color & Type

Red

Varietal

Proprietary Blend

Country

France

Region

Rhone

Sub-region

Southern Rhone

Vintage

2015

Label

Imperiale is sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyards, majority of which are planted in 1901 and 1902. Yields are extremely low, ensuring a dense and deep wine. The old Grenache vines contribute finesse and elegance so this wine can age for decades.

Winery

Domaine Raymond Usseglio

The Raymond Usseglio domaine is one of the top-producing estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. The estate was originally created by Francis Usseglio who moved to the Rhone from Italy in 1931 and started producing his own wine in 1948. He was succeeded in 1963 by his son Raymond Usseglio who enlarged the area, now bearing his own name, with the help of his mother Danielle.

In 1999, Raymond’s son Stephane took over the domaine and is in now in charge of its operations, cultivating 60 acres, 40 of which are in Chateauneuf du Pape, 12 in Cotes du Rhone, and 7 classified as IGP. The estate practices sustainable and biodynamic farming techniques.

jebdunnuck.com, October 2017

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Imperiale is undeniably one of the big successes in the vintage. A blend of 95% Grenache and 5% other permitted varieties, partially destemmed and aged all in concrete, its deep ruby color is...
The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Imperiale is undeniably one of the big successes in the vintage. A blend of 95% Grenache and 5% other permitted varieties, partially destemmed and aged all in concrete, its deep ruby color is followed by awesome notes of blackberry jam, crushed rocks, graphite, and garrigue. A big, rich, unctuous wine, it has beautiful purity, integrated acidity, building tannin, and a great, great finish. I wouldn’t touch bottles for another 4-5 years, but it’s a tour de force in Grenache I wish every reader could taste!

WA
94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2017

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a big, super ripe wine, loaded with plummy, chocolaty fruit. It's almost entirely Grenache from sandy sites, made and aged in concrete. At 16% alcohol by volume, it's...
The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale is a big, super ripe wine, loaded with plummy, chocolaty fruit. It's almost entirely Grenache from sandy sites, made and aged in concrete. At 16% alcohol by volume, it's full-bodied and the tannins are ripe, creamy and supple, but the alcoholic heat isn't particularly noticeable. Give the bit of green stemminess from some whole-cluster inclusion a year or two in bottle to merge with the rest of the wine and drink it young, before the fruit fades. - Joe Czerwinski

Label

Imperiale is sourced from the estate’s oldest vineyards, majority of which are planted in 1901 and 1902. Yields are extremely low, ensuring a dense and deep wine. The old Grenache vines contribute finesse and elegance so this wine can age for decades.

Winery

Domaine Raymond Usseglio

The Raymond Usseglio domaine is one of the top-producing estates in Chateauneuf du Pape. The estate was originally created by Francis Usseglio who moved to the Rhone from Italy in 1931 and started producing his own wine in 1948. He was succeeded in 1963 by his son Raymond Usseglio who enlarged the area, now bearing his own name, with the help of his mother Danielle.

In 1999, Raymond’s son Stephane took over the domaine and is in now in charge of its operations, cultivating 60 acres, 40 of which are in Chateauneuf du Pape, 12 in Cotes du Rhone, and 7 classified as IGP. The estate practices sustainable and biodynamic farming techniques.

JJ Buckley Fine Wines

A pioneer in the early days of online wine retail, JJ Buckley Fine Wines remains an established leader in the world of web-based wine merchants. From our 43,000 square foot retail operation in Oakland, California, we offer premium and collectable wines, along with professional wine storage services, to discerning customers across the United States and around the world. We believe outstanding value, stellar selection, personal service, and professional knowledge are the cornerstones that have built our loyal following and reputation for excellence. JJ Buckley takes great pride in offering our customers honest, impartial, and expert wine advice. Our team of Wine Specialists is at your disposal, ready with personalized recommendations to suit your palate or occasion.